keller



` (N0 Model.) 3 Sheets-Sheet 1.

I'. C. KELLER. -PLUSHING TANK.

110,536,150. Patented Mar. 19, 1895.

@VMM/1. I l @2L/ *M Wwf-WM (No Model.) 3 sheets-sheet 2.

F. C. KELLER. FLUSHING TANK. No. 536,150. Patented Mar. 19, 1895.

3. A f5 j Qim- 26 une, wgsnmomN n c (No Model.) 3 Sheets-Sheet 3.

1-1. C.,KBLL1111.

FLUSHING TANK.

V115. 535,150. Patented M51-, 19, 1895. I

@VMM/M y u g/.MM

w Y @Q4/if 5MM @44h52 f/MMI' i @M TM: Norms PzTERsvou. wmaumu., wAsHmmoN. n. c.,

NrTEn STATES PATENT OEEICE.

FRANK C. KELLER, OF MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN, ASSIGNOR `OF TWO-THIRDS TO EUGENE HABERMEl-IL AND-HENRY WL THEIS, OF SAME PLACE.

FLusHlN'e-TAN K.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 536,150, dated March 19, 1895.

Application tiled May 19, 1894- Serial No, 511,803. (No model.)

To all whom zit may concern:

Be it known that I, FRANK C. KELLER, of Milwaukee, in the county of Milwaukee and State of Wisconsin, have invented anew and A useful Improvement in Flushing-Tanks, of which the following is a description, reference being had to the accompanying drawings,

which are a part of this specification.

My invention has relation to improvements 1o in iiushing tanks.

The object is toprovide a simple, inexpensive and noiseless construction, whereby the flushing may be accomplished either automatically or by hand, said construction comprehending thev employment of an eccentrically pivoted Vessel within the flushing tank, which when turned upon its pivots, being automatically held in a tilted position until emptied of the contents, said vessel adapted,

zo after the flushing has been accomplished and4 during the re-lling operation, to return to its horizontal position, by reason of the water which is constantly discharged into the vessel creating an over-.balancing weight, to one 2 5 side of the pivots, due to the eccentricity of said pivots.

rlhe invention furthermore embraces as an object the adaptation of a receivingvessel of this character for use in all'cases where a 3o large volume of water is needed for iiushing purposes, as for instance in closets arranged.

, in school houses, and other large buildings. l

The invention consists of the devicesy and parts, or their equivalents, as hereinafter more fully described and claimed.

In the accompanying drawings', Figure 1, is

a transverse section of Fig. 2, the dotted lines indicating the position to which the tank is turned to the left. Fig. 2, is a longitudinal v4,0 section of my improved Iiushiug tank. Fig. 3,v

y is alongitudinal section of amodied form of tank. Fig. 4, is a plan view of Fig. 3. y Fig.

5, is a detail end view of the inner receiving tank, showing one of the positions the same assumes. Figs. 6 and 7 illustrate another modified form'of my device, Fig. 6 being a transverse section of Fig. 7, and Fig. 7 being a longitudinal sectional view. y

Like numerals of reference denote like parts 5o throughout the several views.

` Referring, now, particularly, to Sheet l of the drawings, the numeral S indicates an outer tank, which is shown as provided with an inner lining 9, having` a rounded bottom provided with a'centrally depending tube lO, to J the threaded end ofuwhich the outlet pipe is attached. Within the tank 8 is a receiving vessel, composed of straight end pieces 11, 11 and a circular bottom and sides 12, this circular portion, preferably, vcomprising two-thirds of acomplete circle. I do not wish, however, to be understood as limiting myself to this particular size, as it is obvious that variations may be' made without departing from the spirit and scope of my invention. The dimensions given are preferable by reason of the fact that the greatest possible holding capacity is thereby afforded consistent with com- `pactness lof structure. f

Projecting inward from arms 13,13 secured to the ends of the tank 8 are trunnions similar to 14 (see Fig. 2), said trunnions Iitting freelyin sockets 15 let into the inner receiving vessel. The point designated by the numeral 16, indicates the exact center of the circle described by the inner vessel. It will be noticed, however, that the trunnions are so located that the pivotal points of the inner vessel are to the right of, and slightly above, this central point, so that said inner vessel is eccentricall y mounted upon the trunnions.

Extending into the inner vessel at an obliquity is an inlet pipe 17, the end of which terminates a slight distance above the bottom Y of the vessel to the left ot its pivotal points.

The upper edge of one side of the inner vessel is slightly lower than lthe edge of the opposite side. Running longitudinally along the side of the vessel near this lowered edge, and coextensivein length therewith, is a gutter or channel 18, which-is formed by another supplemental outstanding Wall 19, having an inclined bottom. This Wall is provided centrally with a short elongated slot 20. Secured to the side of the inner vessel, immediately below the channel 1.8, and also coextensive in length with said side of the vessel, is a tubular orhollow oat 21. The form of device just describedis adaptedfor flushing automatically and periodically. The water constantly passes through the inlet pipe 17 and discharges into the inner receiving vessel. When the water in this vessel rises to a level with the lo\ve1 side of said vessel, a quantity of water suilicient to overbalauce the vessel will Ilow over into the gutter or channel 18, and give the vessel an initial turn upon its pivots. This slight turn will cause a larger quantity of water to flow into the channel, and thereby continue the turning of the ves- Sel, the water constantly overflowing into the channel. This turning continues until the vessel reaches the position shown in dotted lines in Fig. 1, when its further turning is prevented by the inlet pipe 17, which acts as a stop. It is obvious that a separate lug or projection could be employed for the same purpose, but it is a convenient construction to have the pipe 17 serve the two-fold function of an inlet pipe and stop. When the vessel is thus at its limit of travel, the float 21 is submerged b y the water in the bottom of the inner lining 19 which has not hada chance to escape through the outlet 10. Under these circumstances, the tendency of the float is, of course, to rise to the surface of the water. This tendency naturally creates a pressure or power which would turn the tank farther around to the left were it not for the obstruction afforded by theinlet pipe 17. In this manner the vessel is held at its oblique position until emptied oi' its contents, excepting perhaps a small amount oi Water which the inlet pipe empties into that portion ot' the vessel above the channel and float. The level of the water about the float of course gradually falls as said water rushes out ot the outlet l0. Inasmuch as the pivotal points ofthe vessel are eccentric, or to the right of, and slightly above, the center of the circle described by the vessel, and consequently as the heaviest part of the vessel is disposed at a point lo cated approximately just above the channel and float, said vessel, when the Water in the tank is thus emptying and falls below a certain level around the float, will move or turn to the position shown in Fig. 5. In thus turning to this position, the gutter or channel necessarily scoops in a quantity of water. `It is necessary, of course, to empty the water so scooped in by the channel or gutter, or else said water would act as a retarding influence to the return ot' the vessel to its horizontal position. .Tt is for this reason that I provide the slot 20 through which the water drains.

As soon as a certain volume of the water which is being constantly fed to the vesselv through the inlet pipe accumulates inthe vessel,which, as will be understood, is still inthe position last referred to, viz., in the position shown in Fig. 5, said vessel will, by reason of the overbalancing weight of the water, cause the vessel to turn slowly and gradually toward the rightofFig. 1. As soon as it reachesa horizontal position its lowered edge contacts with the pipe 17, and ofcourse all further turning is prevented, by said pipe, thereby leaving the vessel at its former horizontal position ready to be automatically turned and dumped when the water therein reaches a height suiicient to flow over the lower side edge of the receiving vessel, as rst explained.

Figs. 3 and 1i show the adaptation of my device for use where a large volume oi' water is needed for flushing purposes, as for instance in the closets of school houses, large buildings, and in many other constructions where a large volume of water is necessary to a sucr cesstul flushing. In this form, I show one end ofthe long llushing tank 8 divided oi at one end (Figs. 3 and 4) into a compartment 22 by means of a transverse partition 23. It is obvious, however, that the long tank could terminate with the partition 23, and that the compartment 22 could be an independent or separate tanlgalranged endwisc to, and, if desired, secured to thelonger tank. In practice, perhaps, this will be found the preferable construction. Into the longer chamber 24 of the tank the inlet pipe 17' extends and discharges.

The numeral 25 indicatesa siphon, the short leg of which runs down alongside of the partition in the chamber 24C to a point near the bottom of said chamber, while the neck ot' the siphon extends over the partition 23, and the longer leg projects down into the chamber 22, and through the bottom of said chamber into the outlet 10. i

A pipe 26 passes through the partition 23 at a point just below the neck of the siphon. The end of this pipe within the chamber or compartment 22 is bent down at an angle into the pivoted receiving vessel. In the operation of this form of the device, the water from the source of supply is, of course, conducted by the inlet pipe 17 directly into the longer chamber 24. When it reaches a certain height in this chamber, it will flow through the pipe 2G, and discharge into the receiving vessel. As soon as this vessel is filled suiiiciently to cause the water to run over into the channel or gutter 1S, the vessel is thereby turned upon its pivots, and the same operation as that explained in regard to the device illustrated, on Sheet 1 of the drawings takes place, the water which emp ties into the tank 8 passingto the outlet l0, and down the same to the long bowl (not shown) beneath. As this water flows down the pipe 10 a suction is created in the long leg of the siphon which draws the water from the chamber 25 up the short leg of the siphon and over the neck thereof, which, of course, immediately starts siphonage, and a continu ons How of the water from the chamber 25 to the bowl or whatever is desired to be flushed. This continues until the water in the chamber 24 falls to such a level as to necessarily cause the siphonage to cease. The same operation again occurs when the chamber again Iills up to the level of the end of the pipe 2G.

Both of the constructions just explained, and illustrated upon Sheets 1 and 2 of the drawings, cover the application of my invention as an automatic flushing apparatus.

IOO

TIO

yzo

form has its end within the receiving vessel connected with a valve-casing 29, in which works a valve 30, the stem 3l thereof connected to a pivoted float-controlled lever 32.v

Another pipe 33 leads from the valve casing, and has its lower end terminating near the bottom of the receiving vessel.

In operation, when a person desires to flush the closet bowl, a pull is given to the cord 26, and the vessel turned to its full extent, or to thelimit permitted by the inlet pipe I7". The Water of course empties out of the vessel, and inasmuch as the float 2l is submerged the vessel is held thereby, for a time, in its oblique position, the same as in Fig. I, notwithstanding the fact that the pull on the cord is discontinued, until the level of the water about the iioat lowers, and the overbalancing weight of the water accumulating inthe vessel, causes the automatic return of said vessel, toits horizontal position. The level of the water in the receiving vessel, however, has been so lowered that the float-controlled lever 32 is lowered correspondingly, so that said lever is turned upon its pivot, and the valve thereby Withdrawn from the end of the inlet pipe within the valve-casing '30.' Water passing through the inlet pipe will, therefore, again lill the receiving vessel ready for another manipulation of the pull-cord. Of course when the water reaches a certain height in the receiving Vessel, the float is raised sufficiently to close the inlet valve. y

It is sometimesjdesirable, especially when the closet is located in close proximity to other rooms where the noise of the water could be heard, when the vessel is tilted its full extent, only to tilt the same slightly, and by continuing the pull on the cord, allowing only a small quantity of waterto iiush. O'fcourse the moment the cord is released the overhalancing weight of the water will return the vessel to itsV horizontal position.

I-Iaving thus described my invention, what I claim,and desire to secure by Letters Patsubstantially as set forth.

2. In a flushing tank,'the combination of a tank provided with an outlet, "an inlet pipe,

vand a vessel pivoted in the tank, into which vessel the inlet pipe discharges, said vessel To this end the pull cord provided along one side with a gutter or channel, substantially as set forth.

3. In a flushing tank, the combination, of a tank provided with an outlet, an inlet pipe, and a pivoted vessel into which the inlet pipe discharges, said vessel having one side lower than' the other, with a channel or gutter running along said lower side, substantially as set forth. l

4. Ina fiushingtank, the combination, of a tank provided with an outlet, an inlet pipe, and a pivoted vessel within which vessel the inlet pipe discharges, said vessel provided along one side with a channel or gutter, and below said channel or gutter with a Iloat, substantially as set forth.

5. In a flushing tank, the combination, of a tank, an outlet leading therefrom, an inlet pipe,'and a pivoted vessel, within which vessel the inlet pipe discharges, saidvessel provided along one side with a gutter or channel'having an elongated opening therein, substantially as set forth.

6. In a liushing tank, the combination, of a tank provided with an outlet, an inlet pipe, and an eccentrically pivoted vessel into which the inlet pipe discharges, said vessel provided along one side with a gutter or channel, substantially as set forth.

7. In a flushing tank, the combination, of a A' tank, an outlet leading therefrom, an inlet pipe, an eccentrically pivoted vessel into which .the inlet pipe discharges, said vessel having the upper edge of one side lower than the corresponding edge of the opposite side, a channel or gutter along said lower side, said channel or gutter provided with an opening, and a float beneath the channel or gutter,'said Vvessel adapted to be turned when the VWater therein overliows into the gutter or channel,

the extent of turning being limited by the inlet pipe, substantially as set forth.

8. In a iushing tank, the combination, ofa tank, an `outlet leading therefrom, an inlet pipe, an eccentrically pivoted vessel Within the tank, into wh ich vessel the inlet pipe discharges, said vessel having one of its sides `lower than the opposite side, a channel along vsaid lower side, a float beneath said channel, and means for limiting the extent of the turning of the vessel in both directions, substantially as set forth.y v

9. In a flushing tank, the combination, of a tank, an outlet leading therefrom, an inlet pipe, and an eccentrically pivoted vessel within the tank, into which vessel the inlet pipe discharges, said vessel provided at one side with a float, substantially as set forth.

10. In a flushing tank, the combination, with an eccentrically pivoted vessel, provided IOO IIO

along the upper edge of one side with a channel, of an inlet pipe leading to said vessel, substantially as set forth.

11. In a flushing tank, the combination, of a tank, an inlet pipe leading thereto, another tank or compartment adjoining or contiguous to the tirstnained tank provided with an outlet, a vessel pivoted in the last-named tank, a pipe connecting the two tanks, and having its discharge end passing into the pivoted vessel, a siphon having` its legs extending into the respective tanks, and means for turning the vessel when the water therein reaches a certain height, whereby the flow of Said water down the outlet will start siphonage, substantially as set forth.

12. In a flushing tank, the combination, of a tank, an inlet pipe leading thereto, another tank orcolnpartinent adjoining or contiguous to the tirsnnamed tank, and provided with an outlet, a vessel pivoted in the last-named tank,

a channel at or along one side of said Vessel, said channel or gutter provided with an opening, a float beneath the channel or gutter, a pipe connecting the two tanks, and having its discharge end passing into the pivoted vessel, and a Siphon having its legs extending; into the respective tanks, substantially as set forth.

In testimony whereof I affix my signature in presence ot" two witnesses.

FRANK C. KELLER.

Witnesses:

ARTHUR L. MORSELL, ANNA V. FAUST. 

